The Rising Stars is a big band comprised of musicians approximately grades 9 to 12 or ages 15 to 19. The band consists of up to 5 saxophones, 5 trumpets, 5 trombones, and one each of piano, bass, guitar, drums and solo vocalist.

The Following names are current 2016-2017 members of the Rising Stars

Allan is a graduate of the University of Toronto Jazz Performance department, where he studied saxophone with Mike Murley and Kirk McDonald. He later earned his Bachelor of Education from OISE/UT and his Honours Specialist in music from the University of Western Ontario. Allan has performed with many of Canada's top jazz musicians including David Braid, Guido Basso, Alex Dean, Pat LaBarbera, and Kenny Wheeler to name a few.

Allan is an alumnus of the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band and was a part of the band's inaugural European tour and performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as well as the band's performance at the IAJE Conference at New York City. He performed with the alumni ensembles at the organization's 15th, 20th, and 25th anniversary celebrations. Allan has directed the Rising Stars Jazz Band since 2005. During that time, the ensemble has received a Gold standard for their performance at Musicfest Nationals three times.

Allan currently teaches at Hillfield Strathallan College where he is the Instructional Leader for Arts at the Middle School level. He directs the College's Grade 8 Concert Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Grade 9 Jazz Band and Senior School Jazz Band.